With the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station not operating at full strength until late August, the Independent Electricity System Operator or IESO, which operates the electric grid in Ontario, is asking customers to temporarily reduce or shift their use of electricity to off-peak hours.

“Ontario imports power from neighbouring jurisdictions almost every day,” said Derek Cowbourne, chief operating officer for the IESO. “The unavailability of the two Pickering units will increase the need for imports at times over the summer, particularly when hot, humid weather conditions occur or if additional equipment problems occur.”

From time to time — particularly in the summer months - the IESO will ask its customers to conserve power. For McMaster, this means faculty and staff should turn off lights and non-essential equipment such as printers and fans.